According to one aspect, embodiments of the invention provide a method of operating a UPS system, the method comprising receiving, at an input of a first UPS, input power from a power source, generating, with a first analysis circuit, a first signal indicative of a characteristic of the input power, receiving, at the analysis circuit, a second signal from a second analysis circuit of a device coupled to the power source, the second signal indicative of a characteristic of input power received at the second analysis circuit, analyzing with the analysis circuitry, the first signal and the second signal, determining, whether an improper wiring condition exists at the input, in response to a determination that an improper wiring condition does not exist, providing output power to an output of the first UPS, and in response to a determination that an improper wiring condition does exist, de-energizing the first UPS.
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1. A method of operating a UPS system having a first UPS, the method comprising: receiving, at an input of the first UPS, input power from a power source; generating, with a first analysis circuit within the first UPS, a first signal containing information indicative of a signal characteristic of the input power received by the first UPS; receiving, at the first analysis circuit, a second signal from a second analysis circuit of a device coupled to the power source, the second signal containing information indicative of a signal characteristic of input power received by the device; analyzing, with the first analysis circuit, the first signal from the first analysis circuit of the first UPS and the second signal from the second analysis circuit of the device; determining, in response to analyzing the first signal and the second signal, whether an improper wiring condition exists at the input of the first UPS; in response to a determination, based on the analysis of the first signal and the second signal, that an improper wiring condition does not exist at the input, providing output power to an output of the first UPS; and in response to a determination, based on the analysis of the first signal and the second signal, that an improper wiring condition does exist at the input, de-energizing the first UPS.
A UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) system detects improper wiring. The UPS receives power from a source. An analysis circuit in the UPS generates a first signal representing characteristics of the incoming power. This circuit also receives a second signal from a similar analysis circuit in another device connected to the same power source, indicating the power characteristics seen by that device. The UPS analyzes both signals. If the wiring is correct, the UPS provides power to its output. If the analysis detects a wiring problem, the UPS shuts down to prevent damage or hazard.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein generating a first signal includes: monitoring zero-crossing information of the input power received by the first UPS; and generating the first signal containing zero-crossing information of the input power received by the first UPS.
The UPS system generates the first signal from the UPS by monitoring when the AC power crosses zero volts (zero-crossing). This zero-crossing information is included in the first signal. The system uses this zero-crossing data to determine if the wiring is correct relative to other devices on the same power source, as per the main method description.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein analyzing includes comparing the first signal containing zero-crossing information with the second signal, the second signal containing zero-crossing information of the input power received by the device.
The UPS system compares the zero-crossing information in the first signal (from the UPS) with the zero-crossing information in the second signal (from another device). This comparison determines if the two devices are experiencing the same phase of the AC power, indicating correct wiring as per the overall method. Discrepancies indicate a wiring fault.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein generating a first signal includes: monitoring polarity information of the input power received by the first UPS; and generating the first signal containing polarity information of the input power received by the first UPS.
The UPS system monitors the polarity (positive or negative) of the incoming power to generate the first signal. This polarity information is included in the first signal. The system then uses this polarity data to determine if the wiring is correct relative to other devices on the same power source, as per the main method description.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein analyzing includes comparing the first signal containing polarity information with the second signal, the second signal containing polarity information of the input power received by the device.
The UPS system compares the polarity information in the first signal (from the UPS) with the polarity information in the second signal (from another device). This comparison determines if the two devices have the correct polarity of AC power, indicating correct wiring as per the overall method. Discrepancies indicate a wiring fault.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein receiving the second signal includes receiving the second signal from the second analysis circuit via a communication bus coupled between the first UPS and the second analysis circuit.
The UPS system receives the second signal (from the other device's analysis circuit) through a communication bus connecting the UPS and the other device. This bus provides a channel for sharing the power characteristic information needed for the wiring fault detection.
7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising transmitting the first signal to the second analysis circuit via the communication bus.
In addition to receiving the second signal, the UPS system transmits its own first signal to the other device's analysis circuit through the communication bus. This allows the other device to also perform a wiring check, creating a reciprocal wiring safety check system.
8. The method of claim 6 , wherein receiving the second signal further includes receiving the second signal from the device, wherein the device is a second UPS coupled to the power source.
The "other device" providing the second signal can be another UPS. This enables a parallel UPS configuration where each UPS checks its wiring against the others to ensure correct and safe operation.
9. The method of claim 6 , wherein receiving the second signal further includes receiving the second signal from the second analysis circuit, wherein the second analysis circuit is within a PSBP panel coupled to the power source.
The "other device" providing the second signal can be an analysis circuit within a Power System Branch Panel (PSBP). This allows the UPS to compare its wiring against a centralized power distribution point, improving safety across the whole system.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein de-energizing the first UPS includes de-coupling the first UPS from the power source.
When the UPS system detects an improper wiring condition, de-energizing the UPS means disconnecting it from the power source. This prevents the UPS from operating with incorrect wiring which could damage the UPS itself or any connected equipment.
11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: detecting, at an output of the first UPS, output power provided to a load; generating, with the first analysis circuit, a third signal containing information indicative of a signal characteristic of the output power detected at the output of the first UPS; receiving, at the first analysis circuit, a fourth signal from a second UPS, the fourth signal containing information indicative of a signal characteristic of output power detected at an output of the second UPS; analyzing, with the first analysis circuit, the third signal and the fourth signal; determining, in response to analyzing, whether an improper wiring condition exists at the output of the first UPS; in response to a determination that an improper wiring condition does not exist at the output, providing output power to the output of the first UPS; and in response to a determination that an improper wiring condition does exist at the output, de-energizing the first UPS.
The UPS system also monitors the output power provided to the load. The analysis circuit generates a third signal representing the output power characteristics, and receives a fourth signal from a second UPS representing its output power characteristics. The system analyzes these signals and shuts down if a wiring fault is detected on the output side, ensuring safety for connected devices.
12. A UPS comprising: an input to receive input power from a power source; an output to provide output power to a load; a first analysis circuit coupled to the input and configured to be coupled to a communication bus; and control circuitry coupled to the first analysis circuit; wherein the first analysis circuit is configured to generate a first signal containing information indicative of a signal characteristic of the input power at the input, receive via the communication bus a second signal from a second analysis circuit of a device coupled to the power source, the second signal containing information indicative of a signal characteristic of input power received by the device, analyze the first signal from the first analysis circuit of the UPS and the second signal from the second analysis circuit of the device, and determine, based on the first and second signal analysis, whether an improper wiring condition exists at the input, wherein, in response to a determination, based on the analysis of the first signal and the second signal, that an improper wiring condition does not exist at the input, the control circuitry is configured to operate the UPS to provide output power to the output, and wherein, in response to a determination, based on the analysis of the first signal and the second signal, that an improper wiring condition does exist at the input, the control circuitry is configured to de-energize the UPS.
A UPS includes an input for power, an output for the load, an analysis circuit, and control circuitry. The analysis circuit generates a signal representing the characteristics of the input power, and receives a second signal from another device about its input power. The analysis circuit determines if there is incorrect wiring based on these signals. If the wiring is OK, the control circuitry allows the UPS to output power. If there is a wiring problem, the control circuitry shuts down the UPS.
13. The UPS of claim 12 , further comprising a relay coupled to the input and the control circuitry, wherein in response to a determination by the first analysis circuit that the first and second signals are in phase, the control circuitry is configured to close the relay, allowing that the UPS to provide output power to the output, and wherein, in response to a determination by the first analysis circuit that the first and second signals are out of phase, the control circuitry is configured to open the relay to de-energize the UPS.
The UPS has a relay connected to the input and control circuitry. If the first and second signals (from the UPS and another device) are in phase, the control circuitry closes the relay to allow the UPS to provide power. If the signals are out of phase, the control circuitry opens the relay to shut down the UPS, preventing operation with incorrect wiring.
14. The UPS of claim 12 , wherein the first analysis circuit is further coupled to the output and is further configured to generate a third signal containing information indicative of a signal characteristic of the output power at the output, receive via the communication bus a fourth signal from the second analysis circuit, the fourth signal containing information indicative of a signal characteristic of output power at a second UPS containing the second analysis circuit, analyze the third signal and the fourth signal, and determine, based on the third and fourth signal analysis, whether an improper wiring condition exists at the output, wherein, in response to a determination that an improper wiring condition does not exist at the output, the control circuitry is configured to close the relay so that the UPS provides output power to the output, and wherein, in response to a determination that an improper wiring condition does exist at the output, the control circuitry is configured to open the relay to de-energize the UPS.
The UPS analysis circuit also monitors the output power. It generates a third signal representing the output power characteristics, and receives a fourth signal from another UPS indicating its output power characteristics. Based on these output signals, the UPS determines if there is a wiring problem on the output. If everything is okay, the relay closes to provide power; otherwise, it opens to de-energize the UPS.
15. The UPS of claim 12 , wherein the first analysis circuit comprises: a first zero-crossing detector coupled to the input; and a wrong wiring detector coupled to the zero-crossing detector, the control circuitry and the communication bus, wherein the first zero-crossing detector is configured to monitor zero-crossing information of input power received at the input and generate the first signal, the first signal containing zero-crossing information of the input power received at the input, and wherein the wrong wiring detector is configured to compare the first signal containing zero-crossing information with the second signal, the second signal containing zero-crossing information of the input power received by the device.
The UPS analysis circuit includes a zero-crossing detector and a wrong wiring detector. The zero-crossing detector monitors when the input power crosses zero volts and creates a first signal with this data. The wrong wiring detector compares this first signal with a second signal (containing zero-crossing data from another device) to determine if the wiring is correct.
16. The UPS of claim 15 , wherein the wrong wiring detector is further configured to receive the second signal containing zero-crossing information from a second zero-crossing detector within a second UPS coupled to the power source.
The wrong wiring detector within the UPS receives the second signal containing zero-crossing information from a zero-crossing detector inside another UPS. This facilitates wiring verification between parallel UPS units.
17. The UPS of claim 15 , wherein the wrong wiring detector is further configured to receive the second signal containing zero-crossing information from a second zero-crossing detector within a PSBP coupled to the power source.
The wrong wiring detector within the UPS receives the second signal containing zero-crossing information from a zero-crossing detector inside a PSBP (Power System Branch Panel). This facilitates wiring verification against a centralized power distribution point.
18. The UPS of claim 12 , wherein the first analysis circuit comprises: a first DSP coupled to the input, wherein the DSP is configured to monitor polarity information of input power received at the input, generate the first signal containing polarity information of the input power received at the input, and compare the first signal containing polarity information with the second signal, the second signal containing polarity information of the input power received by the device.
The UPS analysis circuit includes a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) that monitors the polarity of the input power. The DSP generates a first signal representing this polarity and compares it with a second signal (polarity from another device) to detect wiring errors.
19. The UPS of claim 17 , wherein the first DSP is further configured to receive the second signal containing polarity information from a second DSP within a second UPS coupled to the power source.
The DSP in the UPS receives the second signal containing polarity information from another DSP within a second UPS. This enables polarity-based wiring checks between parallel UPS systems.
20. A parallel UPS system, the system comprising: a plurality of UPS's coupled in parallel, each UPS including: at least one phase input coupled to a power source via a mains bus; a neutral input coupled to the power source via the mains bus; at least one phase output coupled to a load via a load bus; a neutral output coupled to the load via the load bus; and means for identifying incorrect wiring of the at least one phase input and the neutral input to the mains bus and the at least one phase output and the neutral output to the load bus.
A parallel UPS system contains multiple UPS units connected to a power source and load. Each UPS has inputs and outputs for phase and neutral wiring. Each UPS includes a mechanism for identifying incorrect wiring of the phase and neutral wires on both the input (power source) and output (load) sides, ensuring safe and correct operation.
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December 7, 2012
May 30, 2017
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